Tradesmen

[Tevion1213]

Aibu to give up trying to find one that returns calls messages etc.
I need somebody to check possible damp and I've posted on checkatrade, my builder etc and despite them showing interest they haven't called me or answered my calls or messages.

Sorry feeling frustrated today

You will find it difficult to get anyone, damp is notoriously difficult to treat and no tradesman is going to risk the aggravation that comes with an unhappy customer.

We had a damp wall that three different trades tried to fix, and none of them could do it. Even replastering the wall didn't help. The issue was eventually fixed by a stove fitter who found that a disused chimney was leaking and water was getting inside a damaged flue and soaking into the wall. What we thought was "rising damp" turned out to be coming from above, but nobody thought to check the old chimney because it was borded up and on the opposite side of the wall, the moisture had been wicking through the stone from a big chunk of wood that was cemented into the wall and acting like a sponge, transferring the damp from the chimney.

I think you need to do more research into damp experts, damp proofing, that type of thing. I never had much luck actually even speaking to anyone from either of those trade sites myself! It is quite specialist if you want it removed for good (even then it may not be possible.) Good builders are often pretty busy, so the fact they answer and are free immediately isn't always a good sign. They should be polite and respond in a timely manner though. Make sure you check their reviews as well. Good luck!

They won’t be interested in trying to solve your problem if they can find more straightforward jobs. Could you ask friends and family if they can recommend anyone?

I assume you've asked friends, families, neighbours for recommendations? I would never use checkatrade! We've spent 2yrs renovating, and not one of our trades is on there. They get enough work via word of mouth. Maybe try nextdoor.com for local recommendations, but only if you'd cant find someone recommended.

If you have Facebook, could you put a message out on your local page? Or even buy a local newspaper, a lot of tradies still advertise in those.
You need someone who specialises in damp proofing.

On my builder, when you shortlist a trader they are charged a fee so it would be odd for them to not get in touch.

I've posted on checkatrade, my builder etc

Please don't even think about it - or about someone recommended on Facebook, NextDoor etc either

Decent tradespeople don't need leads from places like this and you're much better off with word of mouth from folk who've actually had work done

Failing that, ask if your local council has a "trusted trader" list; they're not infallible, but a darned sight better than the other options

Ask local area Facebook group for a recommendation.

Alternatively just for suggestions on what's causing it you can go on Reddit on the sub# DIYUK. There's lots of posts about damp with photos and tradesmen give very practical advice. You could even ask about recommendations for anyone for the part of the country you live in and maybe you could get someone etc